8 THE PRESIDENT

"Welcome." Snow says with an opposing voice.

"Tributes, we welcome you. We salute your courage and your sacrifice. And we wish you...Happy Hunger Games. And may the odds be ever in your favor."

Everyone cheers and claps for the president as Tj just stares at him. Snow looks down and notices the young man, not knowing what to make of him.

The tributes all go back inside as Tj and McKenzie are met by Effie and Katrina.

"That was amazing." Katrina tells them.

"We are all anybody's going to be talking about."

Haymitch then walks over through the crowd.

"Not bad, you two. Maybe, there's hope for you yet."

Tj smirks and nods at his mentor. Haymitch then looks past the two at something else. Tj turns around and sees a boy staring at them, with anger in his eyes.

"Come on, let's go upstairs." Haymitch suggests.

As they all start walking, they are stopped and surprised by President snow.

"President snow, it's an honor to be in your presence." Effie says, bowing to him.

"I just wanted to meet the tributes of district twelve. The ones everyone is talking about." Snow says.

"Everyone?" McKenzie asks with a smile.

"Yes, my dear." Snow replies.

He then looks at Tj.

"The boy who volunteered for the hunger games. I can't really tell if you're brave...or foolish."

"Try capable. Besides, isn't being selected to participate supposed to be some big honor?"

As everyone looks at Tj in shock and worry, Snow smiles at the young man.

"I've met, many men with that same look in their eyes as you. Some die, because they thought they were invincible, and were quickly proven wrong. You all have a good night."

Snow walks away, leaving an impression on Tj.

"Jesus christ, I can't tell if ya brave or foolish either." Haymitch tells him.

"At this point, it's both." Tj jokingly says as they all walk upstairs.